Definition

This term refers to a condition where there is no hydrochloric acid present in the stomach's digestive juices.

Example

The patient was diagnosed with achlorhydria after tests showed no hydrochloric acid in his gastric secretions.

Conversation

I heard that achlorhydria can really affect digestion.

Yeah, I've read that it means there's no hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

That sounds serious! What symptoms do people usually have with achlorhydria?

Common issues include bloating and difficulty absorbing nutrients.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Achlorhydria is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "chlorhydria" (from Greek "chloros" meaning green and "hydor" meaning water, referring to hydrochloric acid in the stomach). The term describes a condition characterized by the absence of hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'a-' meaning 'without' and 'chlorhydria' referring to the 'green water' of stomach acid — achlorhydria means the absence of that stomach acid.

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